What You Need to Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder – FAQs

by admin on July 14, 2018

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a disability that causes a hindrance to the patient's mental development. This is usually demonstrated by difficulties interacting socially and by delayed faculty development. Autism can manifest as early as age three.

What are the different types of Autism?

There are five types of Autism Spectrum Disorder namely:

Asperger's syndrome – This is the mildest form of autism disorder. This is characterized by severe obsession about a single object or topic. When they become obsessive about it, they will try to study everything related to that object and they will not stop discussing it for a long time. Males are more likely to be affected by this syndrome.

Rett syndrome – It is a neurodevelopmental disorder in the brain that affects not only the social skills of the person but also its physical hits. This is characterized as having small hands and feet, decreased rate of growth and repeated body movements. People who are affected by this syndrome have no verbal skills.

Pervasive developmental disorder – This Autism Spectrum disorder is the middle ground between those diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and Autistic disorder. It means that the person affected is not as good as a person with Asperger's syndrome but not as bad a person diagnosed with Autistic disorder.

Childhood disintegrative disorder – This disorder is very rare. It is characterized by normal to stopped development. A person with childhood disintegrative disorder develops on a normal pace at early age and stops at one point. An abrupt stop in the development makes them lose most areas of function.

Autistic disorder – This includes mental retardation and seizures. People with autistic disorder shows signs of repetitive movements and language malfunction.

What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Some types of Autism Spectrum Disorder are considered as 'idiopathic' or originating from an unknown cause. Although a lot of factors related to autism such as genes, vaccines and parenting, they are just correlations which does not actually pinpoint a cause.

Can Autism be passed on?

Although genetic play a big part in autism disorders, there is no scientific proof to validate that claim. However, it is safe to assume that greater risks of Autism Spectrum Disorders can be expected from families with such history.

Does poor nutrition affect Autism?

Yes, poor nutrition definitely affects Autism. However, the same can be said about healthy people. Nutrition affects all aspects of health, whether you are in peak form or not. But poor nutrition does not cause autism.

What are the treatments available for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

1. Behavioral training – This type of training induces self help and positive reinforcements. This training includes Special Education and sensory integration.

2. Different therapies – Depending on the type of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the person affected may be requiring physical, speech and occupational therapy. It targets different function areas to work properly.

3. Parental Support and training – This is particularly important when it comes to striving Autism disorders. Parents need to employ special care to make their child feel understood and cared for.

4. Medicines – This is used to tone down some symptoms of autism like stress, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.